Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Tom Merolli

A Mendon Democrat hopes to oust state Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Webster, in the 2018 race for the Worcester-Norfolk District State Senate seat.

Patch asked candidates in all contested races a series of questions to help introduce themselves to voters. Today we introduce readers to Tom Merolli, who is 27.

The Worcester-Norfolk District includes Blackstone, Douglas, Dudley, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge (precincts 1 and 3), Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, Uxbridge and Webster in the county of Worcester; and the town of Bellingham in the county of Norfolk.

Merolli currently serves as assistant treasurer of Mendon and chair of the town's Economic Development Committee. He also holds a degree in political science from Westfield State University and is proud to have been an Eagle Scout. His dad, Michael, is the volunteer Finance Committee chair for Mendon and his grandfather was a member of Mendon's Council on Aging. On his list of political accomplishments, Merolli lists his role as field consultant for Elizabeth Warren for State Senate and as an intern for Congressman Richard Neal.

"I was on the committee that successfully passed a historic district in the town of Mendon and organized alumni to vote in favor of a successful school override," said Merolli

He added that the single biggest issue the district faces is "the inequity in how our education system is funded. Central Massachusetts does not get its fair share in terms of state aid. We need to update the 25-year-old school funding formula, adjusting the amount that allocated for special needs costs, health insurance costs, English-language learning costs and transportation costs."

When asked what the major difference between himself and his opponent, Merolli argues that Fattman focuses more on national issues than those affecting the district. Those important issues, said Merolli, including education funding, water infrastructure, environmental concerns and healthcare costs.

"He has sent aides to far too many important meetings rather than attending himself," added Merolli. "As I've gone throughout the district, and spoke with many town officials, the comment I most heard was, 'I have not seen our current senator.' That is concerning to me. How can you advocate for our towns' needs when you have no one to talk to at Beacon Hill?"

Merolli said a loophole allowing soil from contaminated sites to be dumped on top of drinking water sources in towns such as Uxbridge and Dudley should be closed.

"We must ensure that these projects are carried out with the proper regulation and precautions taken," he said. "Unfortunately, many communities in Central Massachusetts have severely outdated drinking water infrastructure. As a state, we need to invest upgrading our water infrastructure. This means the establishment of a reliable source of yearly state aid for communities throughout Massachusetts in order to undertake these projects. Access to clean drinking water is a right."

Along with many others, Merolli deplores the opioid epidemic that has hit just about every community.

"The standard three days of detox has proven ineffective," said Merolli. "We must take steps to mandate that health insurance companies recognize addiction as a disease and provide longer term treatment options. We also need to make it easier to prescribe the medications that have been proven to be effective."

The senior population faces a serious problem finding affordable housing in the Commonwealth, he said, adding that he sees many being priced out of their longtime homes and forced to relocate.

"Meanwhile, there are communities that have cut their senior programs completely," he said. "I support policies that help our senior population to age in place, programs that provide assistance in establishing affordable housing in our communities, and protect senior programs in our communities. I also support and will continue to support the efforts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support our veterans, find good jobs for them, and assistance with medical needs."

In his spare time, Merolli plays the bass, banjo and mandolin. He cites his grandfather's advice as the best he's gotten: "He told me that listening was a lot more than talking if you want to get anywhere in solving a problem.

Merolli said if he is elected, he will continue to canvass the area and stay in touch with people in the district.

"It's important that I get feedback about how I am doing representing the people," he said.

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